The synod is democratic in the sense that auditors are given the same forum for the same amount of time as bishops. This was the opinion shared by moral theologian, Moira McQueen, a synod auditor (non-voting observer), as she was speaking at today’s synod briefing in the Vatican press office, with the director of the press office, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Theresa Nyirabukeye, and German Abbot Jeremias Shroder.
The Oct. 4-25 synod is being held on the topic, “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and the Contemporary World,” and the bishops continue to be divided into small groups for discussions on the Instrumentum Laboris, or working document.
McQueen who specializes in bioethical issues, spoke on her interest in the synod considering issues around the family at every stage of life.The academic was born in Scotland and now lives in Canada and has been working closely with the nation’s bishops conference.
She stressed that when auditors have the chance to say something, she finds the process is “democratic,” adding that the openness is “very positive.” She, along with the other speakers, also noted how much the contributions of laity are being taken into consideration.
She also noted how women and lay people are satisfied because they see their suggestions are being incorporated into the reports.
